The dreaded GOT COMM? on my MNGP

[littleharbor2]

Today I swapped out my friends tired battery bank for a new DIY LFP prismatic battery bank. I shut down the Classic in the usual way, did the swap and upon power up, as I was going to reprogram the settings I got the GOT COMM? message. Checked the MNGP cable, looked fine. I did a factory reset entered settings again and the screen stayed on Sending Data. Powered down and tried again, no luck. Also did the VMM. Verified there is no current flowing to the battery and the main status screen shows zero volts and amps flowing.
 
 I took the front panel off of a new Classic and swapped it with hers, no help. So I just installed my new Classic to keep her lights on for now but need to remedy her Classic's problem. What should I do? Is it time for a trip to Arlington for repair?

BTW it is a 2018 model.

[boB]

Sounds like the MNGP is trying to send data to the Classic register that does not exist.
( screen stayed on Sending Data.)

This is usually because the MNGP version of software is too different from the Classic's software version.  BUT you did not change anything in that regard...

Can you try running just your MNGP remote to see if it is the Classic or the MNGP that is not responding ?

If you were close by Arlington, WA, I would say absolutely come right up but I am guessing that isn't very easy to do.

Otherwise, give us a call.  If you didn't move the Classic itself, I'm not sure why it would be doing this ?

Sorry you are having such a problem with this.  We'll set you right.  Dang.
boB

[ClassicCrazy]

Today I swapped out my friends tired battery bank for a new DIY LFP prismatic battery bank. I shut down the Classic in the usual way, did the swap and upon power up, as I was going to reprogram the settings I got the GOT COMM? message. Checked the MNGP cable, looked fine. I did a factory reset entered settings again and the screen stayed on Sending Data. Powered down and tried again, no luck. Also did the VMM. Verified there is no current flowing to the battery and the main status screen shows zero volts and amps flowing.
 
 I took the front panel off of a new Classic and swapped it with hers, no help. So I just installed my new Classic to keep her lights on for now but need to remedy her Classic's problem. What should I do? Is it time for a trip to Arlington for repair?

BTW it is a 2018 model.

Things I would try .
The hardware jumper reset instead of the button VMM.
It seems like that fixed a similar issue for me once long time ago.
Did you try reloading the firmware for both Classic and the MNGP again ?
That is another thing I would do.
Larry

[littleharbor2]

Sounds like the MNGP is trying to send data to the Classic register that does not exist.
( screen stayed on Sending Data.)

This is usually because the MNGP version of software is too different from the Classic's software version.  BUT you did not change anything in that regard...

Can you try running just your MNGP remote to see if it is the Classic or the MNGP that is not responding ?

If you were close by Arlington, WA, I would say absolutely come right up but I am guessing that isn't very easy to do.

Otherwise, give us a call.  If you didn't move the Classic itself, I'm not sure why it would be doing this ?

Sorry you are having such a problem with this.  We'll set you right.  Dang.
boB

boB and Larry, thank you both for your insight and suggestions. I will try them first. I spoke with Michelle at Midnite Solar and explained my situation. She asked a few questions and when she heard I switched to LioFePo4 batteries she immediately said that the older firmware seems to have some conflict with the BMS's on these lithium batteries and said a firmware update to the classic and MNGP will fix it.
Still going to try the simpler suggestions to see if that works.

Oh, she said the cable to connect the Classic to the laptop for the update should be in the parts bag with my new(Mfg. 2020) Classic. No luck. Maybe they are in newer Classics. Is it simply a USB to RJ485 Phone jack plug? I did an update to my old Classic years ago but for the life of me I cant find this type cable in my stuff.

[littleharbor2]

Today I swapped out my friends tired battery bank for a new DIY LFP prismatic battery bank. I shut down the Classic in the usual way, did the swap and upon power up, as I was going to reprogram the settings I got the GOT COMM? message. Checked the MNGP cable, looked fine. I did a factory reset entered settings again and the screen stayed on Sending Data. Powered down and tried again, no luck. Also did the VMM. Verified there is no current flowing to the battery and the main status screen shows zero volts and amps flowing.
 
 I took the front panel off of a new Classic and swapped it with hers, no help. So I just installed my new Classic to keep her lights on for now but need to remedy her Classic's problem. What should I do? Is it time for a trip to Arlington for repair?

BTW it is a 2018 model.

Things I would try .
The hardware jumper reset instead of the button VMM.
It seems like that fixed a similar issue for me once long time ago.
Did you try reloading the firmware for both Classic and the MNGP again ?
That is another thing I would do.
Larry

Larry First, what is the Hardware Jumper  Reset?
I haven't loaded any firmware, yet.

[ClassicCrazy]

Directions for hardware reset are on this page
https://www.midnitesolar.com/firmwareReport.php?firmware_ID=19&firmwareProduct_ID=1&act=edit
Answering your question about the usb update cable - I think it is just regular usb A to mini usb like was used for cell phones and gps units. USB Mini is different than USB Micro - see chart on this page ( usb 2.0) I am going by memory since I haven't unplugged the cable from my Classic in a long time. You should be able to find one in thrift stores or electronics recycling bins.  Or cheap on ebay.
https://www.audiosanctuary.co.uk/cables/usb-cables/
I looked it up in manual and I was right above" The Classic has the ability to have its firmware updated with a standard USB cable and a Windows based PC. The USB cable is Standard to Mini B. "

Larry

[littleharbor2]

Directions for hardware reset are on this page
https://www.midnitesolar.com/firmwareReport.php?firmware_ID=19&firmwareProduct_ID=1&act=edit
Answering your question about the usb update cable - I think it is just regular usb A to mini usb like was used for cell phones and gps units. USB Mini is different than USB Micro - see chart on this page ( usb 2.0) I am going by memory since I haven't unplugged the cable from my Classic in a long time. You should be able to find one in thrift stores or electronics recycling bins.  Or cheap on ebay.
https://www.audiosanctuary.co.uk/cables/usb-cables/
I looked it up in manual and I was right above" The Classic has the ability to have its firmware updated with a standard USB cable and a Windows based PC. The USB cable is Standard to Mini B.

Larry

Well that's great news. I need to take a better look at the unit . I imagine the update instructions will tell me all I need to know.

[littleharbor2]

Wanted to follow up and mention that the firmware update went very smooth. Many steps involved but very clear and once initiated it went pretty fast and only took one attempt for each if the two updates needed. Problem fixed.
 Thanks again to all involved in helping. It's a real pleasure to work with all at Midnite Solar. It couldn't have went any smoother and my friend is back, up and running on her own Classic and I now have my new backup controller back in the box.